CVE-2017-7664 in OpenMeetings
Summary
by MITRE
Uploaded XML documents were not correctly validated in Apache OpenMeetings 3.1.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7664 represents a critical validation flaw in Apache OpenMeetings version 3.1.0 that directly impacts the system's ability to process uploaded XML documents. This issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the application's file handling processes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted XML content. The vulnerability exists in the context of web applications that accept user-uploaded files, specifically targeting the XML parsing and validation components that are fundamental to the system's functionality.
The technical flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize and validate XML documents submitted by users, allowing potentially malicious XML content to bypass security checks. This weakness enables attackers to craft XML files that may contain embedded malicious code or exploit specific parsing behaviors within the system's XML processor. The vulnerability's root cause aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and specifically relates to CWE-77, which addresses command injection vulnerabilities that can occur through improper XML handling. The flaw operates by exploiting the trust placed in uploaded content without adequate verification of the document's structure, content, or intended behavior within the application's processing pipeline.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7664 extends beyond simple data corruption or unauthorized access, potentially enabling remote code execution or privilege escalation within the affected system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the server hosting Apache OpenMeetings, particularly when the XML documents are processed by the system's backend components that handle meeting recordings, configuration files, or user data imports. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or service disruption, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where the application serves as a critical communication platform. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1078, which addresses valid accounts usage, as the vulnerability may allow attackers to establish persistent access through manipulated XML files.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the Apache OpenMeetings application to version 3.1.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for XML validation. Organizations should implement additional defensive measures including strict file type validation, content scanning of uploaded files, and network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces. The implementation of proper XML schema validation and secure parsing libraries can help prevent similar issues in future deployments. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter XML traffic, while establishing comprehensive monitoring procedures to detect anomalous file upload activities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify potential similar weaknesses in the application's architecture, ensuring that all input validation mechanisms are properly enforced throughout the system's processing pipeline.